Bill > S255

This bill establishes a new "senior psychologist" licensure category within the Massachusetts Board of Psychology, designed to help experienced psychologists who have been practicing for an extended period but may lack easily accessible documentation of their original training. By July 1, 2026, the board must create this licensure pathway for psychologists who hold a doctoral degree in psychology and have been licensed and practicing in another state for a significant time. The board will develop specific regulatory requirements for this licensure, which will consider factors such as the applicant's doctoral degree's origin from a regionally accredited institution, the number of years they've been licensed by state or provincial psychology boards (specifically those in the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards), their continuous years of psychology practice, and their disciplinary history. While the board can include standard requirements like a state jurisprudence exam, they must ensure these requirements do not create an unreasonable burden for senior psychologist applicants. This provision appears aimed at providing a pathway for experienced out-of-state psychologists to more easily obtain Massachusetts licensure, particularly those who might face challenges documenting their extensive professional background.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S255